Cath Johnson: Championing International Art and Academic Excellence at University of the Arts London
Cath Johnson stands as a beacon of creativity, education, and international collaboration in the world of art and design. Serving as the International Academic Coordinator at the University of the Arts London (UAL), she has cultivated a distinguished career blending artistic practice with academic leadership. Through her extensive experience in art education, creative community projects, and global engagement, Cath Johnson has significantly contributed to shaping the future of international art education. This article delves into her inspiring journey, professional accomplishments, and ongoing impact at one of the UK’s leading art institutions.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of an Artistic Vision
Cath Johnson’s passion for art and education was ignited early in her life and formalised through rigorous academic training. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Middlesex Polytechnic, London, which provided her with a solid grounding in visual communication and creative expression.
Following this, she earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) specialising in Art from the prestigious Institute of Education, University of London. This qualification enabled her to combine her artistic talents with pedagogical skills, setting the stage for her future role as an educator.
Further enriching her academic portfolio, Cath completed a Master of Arts in Printmaking at Camberwell College of Arts, part of the University of the Arts London. Her master’s dissertations explored complex themes such as India’s socio-political landscape and the work of prominent writers like Anita Desai and Salman Rushdie, alongside artistic discussions around the autonomy and democracy depicted in Ravi Varma’s oleographs. This interdisciplinary approach highlights her ability to connect cultural, political, and artistic narratives.
Artistic Practice and Community Engagement
Beyond academia, Cath Johnson is an active artist who has exhibited widely across the UK. During the 1980s, she was involved with the artist cooperative True Image Café, a pioneering group that challenged traditional gallery norms by exploring alternative exhibition spaces. Her commitment to redefining how and where art is experienced reflects her innovative and community-oriented mindset.
A notable chapter in Cath’s career was her work with Art Kontakt Russia/UK, an independent international group of artists and thinkers. Serving as the British representative during the early 1990s, she participated in a unique cultural exchange during the transformative Glasnost and Perestroika period in Russia. Her engagement with Russian art schools in Moscow and Leningrad, coupled with her role in fostering creative optimism during a time of political change, underscored her commitment to international artistic dialogue. Her work from this period is preserved in the Art Kontakt Archives and the Karelian Republic Art Museum.
The Role of International Academic Coordinator at UAL
Since 2007, Cath Johnson has been a cornerstone of the University of the Arts London, specifically at the London College of Communication (LCC), where she holds the position of International Academic Coordinator. In this pivotal role, she bridges the gap between the institution and its diverse global student body.
Supporting International Students
Cath plays a vital role in supporting prospective and current international students who aspire to study art, design, media, and performance in the UK. She offers guidance on application processes, portfolio preparation, and what to expect from life and learning at UAL. Her work ensures students from across the globe have access to the resources and knowledge necessary to succeed in one of the most competitive creative universities.
Designing and Managing Courses
Her expertise extends to designing, developing, and managing academic courses tailored to accommodate a variety of learning environments and student needs. Cath’s leadership in course creation reflects her understanding of both UK education standards and international pedagogical practices, ensuring that UAL remains accessible and attractive to students worldwide.
Building Global Partnerships
Cath’s role also involves fostering relationships with creative organisations and educational institutions around the world. By delivering guest lectures and workshops internationally, she promotes the exchange of teaching methodologies and nurtures collaborations that enrich the learning experience for UAL students. This global perspective is crucial in today’s interconnected creative industries.
Unique Experiences That Shape Her Work
Cath Johnson’s diverse life experiences have profoundly influenced her professional outlook and artistic philosophy.
Overland Expedition Leader
In the late 1990s, she undertook training as an overland expedition leader with Exodus, earning a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence. For three years, Cath led overland journeys spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including traversing remote regions such as the Karakoram Highway and Xinjiang Province. These adventures through varied cultures and landscapes deepened her appreciation for the unfamiliar, nostalgia, and the transient nature of experience — themes she integrates into her creative practice.
Community Arts Projects
Upon returning from her travels, Cath collaborated with the group Hook and Eye, facilitating community arts projects that encouraged collaborative learning and creativity. A notable project was the two-person exhibition “Work” held at the Ecology Pavilion in Mile End, London. Supported by a Local Network Fund grant, this initiative involved local school students and provided public access to a space usually closed off, reinforcing Cath’s belief in the social value of art.
Multidisciplinary Talents and Cultural Contributions
Cath Johnson’s artistic and educational talents extend beyond the visual arts.
Music and Performance
She is a member of the Performing Right Society (PRS) since 2004 and has co-written songs published in collaboration with musicians such as Martha Lewis. Her work in event production and management includes partnerships with Debbie Dickinson and Jazz Moves, contributing to festivals like Women Take Centre Stage and the London Jazz Festival.
Community Choir and Theatre
For over a decade, Cath has been a singer with Hackney Voices, a community choir, performing regularly for diverse audiences. She has also participated in innovative performance pieces such as Helen Chadwick’s “Dalston Songs” and Circa Contemporary Circus’s “Depart,” performed in London’s Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park during the London International Festival of Theatre. These multidisciplinary endeavours showcase her commitment to community engagement and the performing arts.
Impact on Art Education and International Collaboration
Cath Johnson’s work at University of the Arts London exemplifies a dedication to expanding the reach of UK art education while embracing international diversity.
Championing Access and Inclusion
By developing courses and programmes that cater to students from a broad range of cultural backgrounds, Cath helps democratise access to art and design education. Her support empowers students who may face barriers related to language, geography, or differing educational systems.
Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding
Through her global workshops and lectures, Cath fosters dialogue between creative communities worldwide, encouraging students and educators to learn from different artistic traditions and pedagogical approaches.
Shaping Future Creatives
Her hands-on involvement with students, from application guidance to nurturing collaborative projects, shapes a new generation of artists and designers who are confident, culturally aware, and equipped to succeed on an international stage.
Conclusion
Cath Johnson’s multifaceted career as an artist, educator, and International Academic Coordinator at the University of the Arts London highlights her profound influence on the global art education landscape. Her unique blend of academic expertise, creative practice, and international experience enables her to support and inspire students from around the world. Through her ongoing commitment to fostering artistic excellence and cross-cultural exchange, Cath Johnson continues to be a vital force in nurturing the next wave of innovative and globally minded creatives.
